SHARC (Satellite for High Accuracy Radar Calibration) is picosatellite built by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to provide radar calibration for ground based radars. It is built to the non-standard 5U (1×5U) CubeSat form factor.
SHARC is to demonstrate the capability to perform critical calibration of over 120 TriService C-Band radars. Calibration is needed to meet tracking requirements of orbital objects. It is to demonstrate low latency delivery of data (minutes vs. days). Also it is to investigate the performance of Hypervisor on-orbit for DARPA. It features a GPS system and a C-band return transponder.
SHARC features the EyeStar communications system, tested on GEARRS, which uses the Globalstar satellite communications network for command and control.
SHARC also carries equipment, especially a highly precise GPS system, to be tested for the Biarri-Squad constellation and is designated Biarri-Point or Biarri Risk Mitigation Flight in this capacity. NRO reffers to this mission as Square Dance.
SHARC was launched in April 2017 on board of a cargo craft to the International Space Station from where the satellite was deployed on 17 May 2017.
SHARC reentered on 3 or 4 May 2019.
